THK Linear Actuator Designed For Use In Clean Room

THK, the world's leading manufacturer of linear motion solutions, has launched a new linear actuator designed for use in clean room, bio-medical and containment environments. Called the CKR, the new actuator consists of a linear motion guide and miniature ballscrew, and combines exceptional levels of rigidity, accuracy and reliability in a compact, virtually zero maintenance unit. The CKR is a fully sealed unit, with the exception of extraction points that allow a vacuum line to be attached. This enables a complete or partial vacuum to be created within the body of the actuator, so that dust or particles of lubricating grease generated by the motion of the guide and ballscrew can easy be removed to protect the surrounding environment. This novel seal structure means that the new CKR is capable of meeting Class 4 (ISO 14644-1:1999) clean room compatibility. In addition, the CKR is supplied as standard with special high performance AP-C coating that have exceptionally low levels of particle emissions and provide excellent resistance to corrosion. Both the linear motion rail and ballscrew are treated with the AP-C coating. Building on the established design of the KR actuator, the new CKR has a U-shaped outer rail, which houses the inner block and the ballscrew. This construction is exceptionally tough and rigid and produces excellent levels of precision, enabling, for example, components or loads to be moved and placed at high speeds to within +/-0.003mm repeatability, with the option to preload the device if required. In addition, the load-bearing ball races on the guide are arranged in such a way that the capacity is uniform in four directions (radial, reverse-radial, and lateral). As a result, the linear actuator can be used in any mounting orientation and for applications where the applied load extends beyond the body of the actuator. This makes the CKR particularly suitable for use in areas where the loading direction varies. The CKR linear actuator is available in a choice of lengths and with a range of options.